What are PCA leaders saying about the 2010 Strategic Plan?

The Strategic Plan outlines some important steps forward for the PCA.  First, it is honest in its assessment of the current problems within our denomination.  It brings into the open the way our "animating values" propel us in different directions than other elders who share the same doctrinal values.  Second, the change in funding for the Administrative Committee moves us toward being more purposefully Presbyterian in our practice.  Finally, the Strategic Plan recommits the PCA to our core value of being ministry oriented, e.g. "Faithful to the Great Commission."  There are new ministry challenges for the denomination that present tremendous opportunities for the gospel.  The Strategic Plan opens the door for ongoing, lively discussion in these areas.  I am thankful for the men who have labored hard over the years to provide a clearer path forward for the PCA.

Rev. Paul Joiner, Senior Pastor

Zion Presbyterian Church, Columbia, TN

I have been briefed on the PCA's Strategic Plan and I believe that its adoption is critical to the denomination becoming a national and global influence in the effort to reach the masses for Christ.  This document provides the "go ahead" for us to assume the offensive posture necessary to bring God's plan to bear on the Enemy's strongholds.  Adopt the plan and increase the influence of this denomination.

Mike Higgins, Pastor

Redemption Fellowship Atlanta, Georgia and Chaplain (COL) US Army Reserves

The Funding Proposal for the PCA Administrative Committee/Office of the Stated Clerk is fair to all and fiscally sound - a change long overdue.

Dr. Wilson Benton, Senior Pastor

Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville and

Moderator of the 20th PCA General Assembly

I support the 2010 Strategic Plan as a useful tool to help us in our commitment to be obedient to the Great Commission.

Cal Boroughs

St. Elmo Presbyterian Church

As a Ruling Elder Emeritus who attended the PCA first General Assembly, I have been involved in serving our denomination in many ways.  The PCA Strategic Plan is well thought out and a careful reading of the plan evidences this.  It should be given serious consideration along with appreciation to those who labored to produce it.

Mr. Tom Harris, Ruling Elder Emeritus

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham

I think the AC funding change is a good idea, and is timely.  We say that we are Presbyterian and connectional, but the Southern Baptists require more connectionalism in support of the Cooperative Program than we do support for the work of the PCA GA.  SBC churches must participate in the Cooperative program before they get a voice and vote at the annual SBC.  Over half of our churches make no contribution whatsoever to the work of the PCA GA and yet are allowed a voice and vote!  The idea of being able to control the work of GA  without any contribution is just wrong.  If our American forefathers had a problem with taxation without representation, we have the opposite problem - representation without contribution.

This funding change is a step in the right direction, in the direction of Presbyterianism.

I think some of the best material of the Plan is the analysis of external and internal challenges.  If churches, presbyteries, and GA committees would look hard and think about how these challenges impact ministry, fruitful discernment could flow out of that.

Dr. Ligon Duncan, Senior Pastor

First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS

Moderator of the 32nd PCA General Assembly

When I first read the proposed Strategic Plan my heart leaped for joy.

Having served on the AC/Board of Directors several times since the formation of the PCA, I know very well how handicapped the Administrative Committee has been and still is by the lack of funds.  We have been unable to carry out all of our mandates and responsibilities for the whole PCA.

With this plan in place we will see not only the fair distribution of the financial obligation for the administration, business and legal work of the whole PCA among all of our churches and Presbyteries, but also the first move lf all our churches to come into a true connectional relationship of historic Presbyterianism.

William Joseph, Jr., Ruling Elder

Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, AL

Moderator of the 6th PCA General Assembly

I strongly hope this becomes part of our Assembly's rules of operation.  It will make us more Presbyterian in our support of the church.

Rev. Jim Bachmann, Senior Pastor

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Nashville

It's appropriate for a denomination at this benchmark to affirm its commitments to the Word, the gospel, the Great Commission, and to anticipate how to move forward to impact God's world.

The PCA is coming upon a crucial timeframe - its 40 to 80-year mark.  Any church or movement needs to be refreshed in its commitments, renewed in its zeal during this time.  History is littered with examples of churches and movements that begin to dissipate and lose their way at the 40-year mark.  So this Strategic Plan is timely for that reason.

We do need strategic leadership at this time, but ultimately it's a matter of the heat of church leaders, pastors, and elders.  We must reaffirm that biblical essentials of the church - what does it mean to stay on message, on mission?  This can't be done simply by strategic planning.  It's a matter of the heart that we maintain a commitment to being Christ-centered and gospel-driven.  When that happens, the members and churches and leaders of the PCA will find ways to reach people, and we'll reach the culture as a result.

The AC funding proposal is an excellent way to go.  It seems appropriate to me and allows us to maintain our responsibility to ministry committees as well as providing proper support for the AC.  It gives an opportunity for the PCA to participate together while valuing our freedom to affirm individual committee commitments.

Rev. Harry Reeder, Senior Pastor and Teacher

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham

I think the AC funding change is needed - the AC is absolutely essential for our denomination to function properly.  I came out of the PCUSA 32 years ago and know how frustrating it is for your denomination's administration to not represent your values.

So it's been a wonderful experience to be able to work with the AC, who clearly supports what we do, and to feel that the stated clerk is with me in ministry.  I have called their office many times for advice and help on different issues.

With our church's size and budget, this proposed funding change is well worth it for what we get - that's what grabbed my attention.  If administration isn't working well it affects everything.  If this funding proposal passes, the AC can devote their attention to essential things rather than fundraising.

We have to recognize that we're part of this denomination and we have a responsibility to the different agencies and committees in it.  When we took our ordination vows this was one of the things we were committing to - we need to take it seriously.

Dr. Bill Hay, Senior Pastor

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Birmingham

In ministry I frequently talk with people who feel stuck.  Stuck in their jobs; stuck in their marriages; stuck in their relationship with Christ.  Stuck is not good – it’s a place where the best seems tantalizingly distant and the mediocre all too familiar.  The first step of getting out of that place is recognition that there has to be more than this.  That longing for more is the first step in moving forward in a relationship, finding grace in the work you've been called to do or reconnecting to the passion for God that had grown faint. 

We as a denomination have gotten stuck.  The way forward is to admit our situation honestly; our growth is faltering; our disagreements have become stalemates; our desire to reach people is tinged with fear of what they'll bring into the church.  The Strategic Plan being presented this year at General Assembly is a commendable attempt to call us to awareness and to chart the first steps out of this malaise.  No plan is perfect, but if perfection were the criteria for action, then nothing would ever be attempted. 

In my estimation, the Strategic Plan being presented is a helpful challenge. It provides tangible means for us to support our common work as a denomination.  Sharing the financial responsibilities is a way for each member congregation to be co-responsible members of our family.  Instead of the few shouldering the costs, we all will participate.  One of the reasons those I counsel feel stuck is because they are shirking their duties.  When we bear our responsibilities responsibly, we begin to grow, because we are contributing and honoring the Lord. 

To me, the Strategic Plan is a hopeful call to remembering our passion.  I'm in the PCA because it's a denomination that loves the mission of God that flows from the Word of God through the work of the Son of God.  When I was 16 and came for the first time to understand God's sovereign grace, I found a PCA church where that new faith found a solid foundation.  This plan reminds us that the PCA continues to exist for new generations, from various cultures, to discover the glories of our Savior and enter into His worship. 

This Strategic Plan has my support.  I urge you to read over the details, pray through the implications and to ask yourself what the way forward is for us as a denomination.

Sam Wheatley

Pastor, New Song Presbyterian Church, Salt Lake City

This Strategic Plan is the result of much thought, work and prayer.  The ideas presented in this plan are, in many ways, a Philosophy of Ministry for our denomination.  This plan will propel the PCA into the future, advancing the Kingdom, as well as developing in our people a greater love for the Reformed faith and our connectionalism.

Rod Mays

Coordinator, Reformed University Ministries

The PCA Strategic Plan provides an excellent pathway for the future of our denomination.  Guided by the unchanging biblical convictions and gospel purposes of the PCA and informed by a clear understanding of our place in history and culture, the plan presents key goals which can unite and energize us for the decades ahead.  I am grateful for the opportunity that Covenant College has to participate in this strategic enterprise as we carry out our specific mission in Christian higher education in service to the church.

Dr. Niel Nielson

President, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA

The Strategic Plan is brilliant!  For the last several years I have been working with PCA leaders who represent a wide spectrum of theological and ecclesiastical opinions.  While all are committed to the Scriptures, the Reformed Faith and the Great Commission, they have very different opinions about the application of these values to local and denominational pastoral practice.  The leaders who forged this draft of the Strategic Plan are representatives of those varied perspectives and have mapped a way for us to move forward as a denomination in a unified way that remains faithful to the Scriptures and the Confession.  Their proposals for safe places of dialogue will foster robust brotherly discussion without compromising our Confessional standards.  More formal recognition of lay gifts within the provisos of denominational agencies will ensure a strong infrastructure for years to come.  And re-stoking our fiery passion to reach the lost with the biblical gospel will advance the Kingdom.  In sum, this document in broad strokes reflects our desire in the PCA to be Christ-like and Christ-honoring.

Dr. George Robertson

Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA